By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    UV damage to eyes
    Warning Signs of Long-Term UV Damage to Your Eyes
    December 9, 2021
    degree for healthcare job
    The Ultimate Healthcare Recruiting and Staffing Guidebook
    March 21, 2022
    medicare part d benefits
    Everything that You Need to Know About Medicare Part D
    August 15, 2022
    Latest News
    Beyond Nutrition: Everyday Foods That Support Whole-Body Health
    June 15, 2025
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
    The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
    June 5, 2025
    The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
    May 22, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    nursing program
    7 Tips to Picking the Best Nursing Program
    February 5, 2018
    Health Care: A Modern-Day Blade Runner?
    December 10, 2014
    Occupational Therapy Assistant | Medical Assistant | Home Health Aide
    In-Demand Healthcare Support Jobs
    April 16, 2016
    Latest News
    Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
    June 25, 2025
    When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
    June 20, 2025
    Preventing Contamination In Healthcare Facilities Starts With Hygiene
    June 15, 2025
    Strengthening Healthcare Systems Through Clinical and Administrative Career Development
    June 13, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Assuring Safe Patient Health Information (PHI) in Radiology
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > eHealth > Medical Records > Assuring Safe Patient Health Information (PHI) in Radiology
Medical RecordsRadiologyTechnology

Assuring Safe Patient Health Information (PHI) in Radiology

Andy Salmen
Last updated: August 14, 2014 8:11 am
Andy Salmen
Share
4 Min Read
SHARE

ID-100259388PHI may be referred to as “personal health information” or “patient health information”, and both of these acronyms are technically true, as the information in question is personal to the patient.

Contents
Keep Software/Security UpdatedEmployee Training and Education

ID-100259388PHI may be referred to as “personal health information” or “patient health information”, and both of these acronyms are technically true, as the information in question is personal to the patient. However, according to the HIPAA Privacy Rule, PHI is short for “protected health information”.  The HIPAA website says information includes: “patient names, addresses, and all information pertaining to the patients’ health and payment records.” It can also extend to financial information, SSN numbers, and even photos of patients.

Keeping this information private and secure is essential in order to avoid negative repercussions for the patient (should their personal, medical and/or financial information fall into the wrong hands) and to avoid civil and criminal penalties which could be incurred if a practice fails to comply with HIPAA Rules.

So ask yourself, “How can my practice keep PHI under wraps?” Below are several areas in which a healthcare provider can focus on in order to maintain security and stay compliant:

More Read

biopharma beat
BioPharma Beat: We Want Healthcare at Any Price – Until We Have It
The Case for Patient Video in Doctors Visits: Take a Selfie and Call Me In the Morning
Why Electronic Medical Records Aren’t Being Used
2014 Medicare Payment Cuts for Radiology Services
A Visit to Dr. Watson

Keep Software/Security Updated

To maintain PHI security a radiology practice should utilize measures such as:

  • Secure computer passwords (which should be kept confidential)
  • Updated anti-virus software
  • Regular data backups
  • Use of digital signatures
  • Encryption of data

In order to be sure that your practice is employing the most up-to-date methods it is important to keep abreast on current trends in healthcare information and technology.

Employee Training and Education

In this day and age, no healthcare practice, no matter how secure or cutting-edge their software is, is infallible to security breaches.  This is why keeping staff up-to-date on current standards via employee training is key to maintaining HIPAA compliance and maintaining PHI security.

It’s also advisable for a practice’s employees to be well-versed in procedures which may seem like common sense but which can be overlooked when working in a bustling healthcare practice. For example:

  • Both employees and providers should be advised against leaving copies of x-rays or other documents in the copier or fax machine for longer than necessary. Also, all fax numbers and email addresses should be carefully checked prior to use to avoid sending information to the wrong entity.
  • Patient information should never be discussed in public areas where it can be overheard.
  • Patient files and other patient documents should not be taken out of the office.
  • Computer passwords should not be shared with others or displayed anywhere.
  • Computers should be locked when not in use to avoid the chance of passerby viewing confidential information.

These points should be reinforced in order to avoid a personal health information (PHI) security breach.

Patients should be able to rest easy when sharing their personal information with healthcare providers. Adherence to guidelines, attention to detail and clear communication of what is required from employees in terms of PHI security will go a long way toward maintaining patient trust and staying compliant.

TAGGED:Health ITHIPAApatient privacyprotected health information
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

women dental care
What Is a Smile Makeover and How Much Does It Cost?
Dental health
June 30, 2025
HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps
Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
June 25, 2025
recovering from injury
Rebuilding After Injury: Path to Physical and Emotional Recovery
News
June 22, 2025
scientist using microscope
When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
Global Healthcare
June 18, 2025

You Might also Like

Healthcare mobile apps
Mobile HealthTechnology

How the Mobile Revolution Will Change Healthcare

July 22, 2016

Telemedicine Marketing Strategies: Building Thought Leadership

March 10, 2015
eHealthTechnology

What To Know About Security For Modern Healthcare Apps

May 19, 2019
there are many reasons to find a medical device company san diego
BusinessMedical DevicesTechnology

5 Reasons to Choose Medical Device Companies from San Diego

May 5, 2022
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?